ENJJPT

What is ENJJPT?

Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT--pronounced "en-jept") is an undergraduate pilot training program, located in Sheppard AFB, Texas. Its name describes its fundamental purpose. It is, historically, a jet pilot training program--run and operated by NATO. Traditionally, ENJJPT has been a fighter pilot training program. However, recently heavy airplanes have been assigned as well.

What are the benefits of ENJJPT?

While often debated, the benefits of ENJJPT are many. They include, but are not limited to the following:

• Because ENJJPT is operated by NATO, both students and instructors / cadre will come from the NATO participating countries. Right from the start, you will experience working, coordinating, and training with pilots from NATO countries--a valuable skill for future AF leadership.
• Since ENJJPT is traditionally a jet fighter training program, you are guaranteed to move on from the T-6 Texan II to the T-38 Talon. In a regular undergraduate pilot training (UPT) program, you will have to compete for a T-38. Those who don't track to the T-38 will end up going to the T-1, and eventually, into a heavy (C130, C5, KC10, etc.) airplane. Many argue that the guaranteed T-38 is the greatest advantage of going to ENJJPT. Flying a T-38 means your chances of getting a fighter or bomber are much higher.

Students at ENJJPT are guaranteed to move on to the T-38, increasing
the probability of a fighter, and decreasing the pressure during the T-6 phase.

So, why doesn't everyone go to ENJJPT?

Here's the catch. As you can imagine, getting into ENJJPT is very competitive. Based on the Order of Merit (left), you must first get through the Rated Board, and be selected for pilot training. This is often referred to as "getting your pilot slot." This board is usually held in February/March, and your application must be completed by January 1st (approximate--talk to your Detachment NCO's for exact deadlines). Once the Air Force has released the results of the board, you will find out if you got your pilot slot. 

Then, usually in September of the same year, the ENJJPT board is held. The top cadets, from those who got a pilot slot, are selected for ENJJPT. I don't know the exact numbers, but usually 50-60 cadets are chosen for ENJJPT each year. To give you an idea of the competitiveness, there have been around 500-600 pilot slots awarded each year for the last several years. This means that roughly 10% of the pilot selectees will get to go to ENJJPT. 

What can I do to make sure I get in to ENJJPT?

Next week, I will go into some detail about what you can do to increase your chances of getting into ENJJPT. The bottom line is this: maximize your Order of Merit. A lot of cadets don't realize how much control they have over their Order of Merit. My understanding is that the Air Force looks purely at the numbers--meaning, they don't spend time evaluating you as an individual. There is no entrance essay, nor is there any sort of personality considered. They simply compare the Order of Merits of every cadet who applies, and those at the top get in. 

Next week, I will go into more detail about what you can do to make sure you get in.